The Flaming Lady of Hay Arthouse was set up in 2020 in the depths of the Covid pandemic to be a sanctuary of inspiration, hope, creative discovery and free thought. Our mission has been to champion (predominantly) female artists in a not-for-profit arts venture, tell stories, spark discussion, connect people and help keep the legacy of Richard Booth burning bright.
Over the years The Flaming Lady has done this in abundance, exhibiting and promoting a wealth of artists, giving the community the revelry of Rebel and Misfits events, celebrating Hay’s Independence and launching the now coveted Flaming Lady of Hay Award. Four years after opening our tiny, crooked Art House on Castle Street, the winds of change began to blow and we set sail on an exciting new chapter in our story; it was time to take the show on the road and and embark on an exciting, full collaboration with the Hay Distillery.
Our Rebels and Misfits events have been taking place at this fabulous micro-venue for the past three years. Its inviting and beautiful space steeped in heady aromatic scents and intriguing narrative, provides us with a fitting partnership and way of expanding and enhancing the potential to showcase our artists work and connect more directly with the community. Here, our Flaming Lady events and exhibitions can continue to grow in a celebration of art, music, frivolity, free thinking and rebellion. This greater collaboration with the Distillery allows a more sustainable working model for us whilst helping shine more light on the artistry of Natalie’s superb hand-crafted spirits.
In an exciting new format and in addition to our Rebels & Misfits events, the Flaming Lady's exhibitions will now take place quarterly. Presented by the Hay Distillery our Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter shows will feature both solo and also duo exhibitions of new work by our artists. Each will kick off in true flaming style with an artisan spirits-fuelled private view!
Keep an eye out to find out who is exhibiting by clicking here!
“I'm so grateful for the opportunity and support you've given to me over the years, it's made a huge difference to my confidence and was the main driving factor
behind my Masters”.
Callous Creations
"Thank you so so much for being so welcoming and encouraging over the last 4 years, I am beyond grateful to have been a part of this magical snippet in time. The fact you wanted to sell my stuff still blows my mind, so thank you again for that opportunity! You’re the best!!!"
Her Mother the Mountain
"Well done you and the team for everything. I have been so proud to be part of Flaming Lady over the last few years”
Jane Farringdon
Our Quest
To champion female artists
In response to the current stark inequality of representation of creative women within the Art World, the Flaming Lady has a mission to particularly champion female artists. The multi-tiered impactful gallery and art shop presents exciting, predominantly female artists' work across the mediums.
To keep the legacy and spirit of Richard Booth alive
King Richard is not only one of the inspirations behind the Flaming Lady concept, both he and his motivational 'battle plans' were also the inspiration behind our Kingdom Project – which also operates out of the Flaming Lady.
Richard named his successor during one of the Kingdom Project meetings and asked us to work together to protect and continue his legacy. His successor, the new King of Hay honoured us by opening the Flaming Lady 2020. Appearing for the first time in his fabulous new crown (which is on display in the Flaming Lady) made by King Richard's great-niece and metal sculptor Jess Gill.
Richard Booth was a visionary whose legacy is hugely significant; he is credited for turning what was an unremarkable border town into a place that has a world-renowned reputation as a town of books and as a place of creativity and free thought. On April Fools' Day in 1977 Richard Booth marched down the street in Hay and declared Hay to be an independent sovereign state and himself the king of it. It was a declaration against the corporate and against bureaucracy, a celebration of cohesive independence that triumphs diversity and difference.
Flaming Ladies – to celebrate incredible women of Hay
Working with local Historian and Artist Mari Fford, we are striving to uncover and retell the stories of the extraordinary and mostly forgotten historic female icons of the area – from past and also present times.
To be a connective creative hub
The Flaming Lady is also an information point to promote selected local culture, arts events, exhibitions and independent suppliers of note. The aim is to support and creatively empower the local community, generating hope and cultivating potential.
The Flaming Lady has been curated and founded by International Creative Director and Producer Ami Cadillac and her partner Robert Haynes (Art Director in Film).
